When Roan Gentry started school in September 2022, his mother, Ruth Gentry, noticed her son’s behavioral problems and emotional distress. “He became a different child at school and was having behavioral problems like I have never seen,” Gentry recently told Newsweek. “He was escaping to the bathroom to get away from class every day, having problems with other kids, and coming home crying and angry.” With her son unable to read a single word by the age of seven, Gentry presumed her son had dyslexia before his diagnosis in April 2023. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity estimates dyslexia, the world’s most common neuro-cognitive disorder, affects 20 percent of the population and represents 80 to 90 percent of those with learning disabilities.
In a life-changing twist of fate, a disabled rescue dog named Sammy entered the scene. Sammy became Roan’s biggest supporter and best friend, helping him cope emotionally with everyday challenges.
Meanwhile, Ruth knew she had to help her son with his learning disability. She enrolled Roan in Lindamood-Bell instruction to develop his reading skills. Throughout his two daily hour-long live online sessions, Sammy remained steadfast at Roan’s side. “I have my son back now,” Ruth said. “He no longer has behavioral issues in school. He is no longer depressed.” Today, Roan reads a book to Sammy nightly. Ruth has chronicled Roan’s growth and his relationship on TikTok and Instagram.
Roan’s journey has been full of challenges, but his future is bright with Lindamood-Bell and Sammy by his side.
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